Two postdoctoral positions are available in the Genome Stability Structural Biology group (Williams Laboratory) of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS/NIH), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Related research projects will investigate structural and functional aspects of DNA repair and maintenance of genome integrity using X-ray crystallography, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and biochemical methods, with collaborative in vivo analysis of targeted systems.

The Williams group is in the Laboratory (i.e., department) of Structural Biology (LSB) in the Division of Intramural Research, with investigators renowned for their contributions to the area of genome stability, protein-DNA, and protein-RNA structural biology and biochemistry. The exceptional training environment within the LSB is coupled to the strong NIEHS/NIH infrastructure, and offers a highly supportive and interactive scientific environment with many diverse areas of expertise. The group has a fully equipped molecular biology and protein chemistry laboratory and access to superb in house X-ray crystallographic data collection and crystallization robotics equipment. NIEHS is located in an especially attractive part of North Carolina that is central to prominent research institutions, and within driving distance of the beautiful North Carolina coast to the East and the Appalachian mountains to the West.

Applicants must possess a doctoral level degree. While candidates with less than five years of relevant postdoctoral research experience are eligible, recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Experienced applicants with skills in molecular biology, protein chemistry, and/or backgrounds in protein structure are preferred. Motivated individuals looking to expand their skill set to include crystallographic methods are also encouraged to apply. Starting postdoctoral salary is $46,800, plus medical benefits.

For additional information please see http://www.niehs.nih.gov/ and http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/lsb/sfr/xray.cfm.

To apply, please click on the button below, or and please send CV and names of 3 references to:

R. Scott Williams
Laboratory of Structural Biology
NIH/NIEHS, Maildrop F3-03
111 TW Alexander Dr
RTP, NC 27709
williamsrs@niehs.nih.gov


Relevant publications:

• Williams, R.S., Dodson, G.E., Limbo, O., Yamada, Y., Williams, J.S., Guenther, G., Classen, S., Glover, J.N.M., Iwasaki, H., Russell, P., and Tainer, J.A. Nbs1 is an Extended Flexible Arm Binding to Ctp1 and Mre11-Rad50 to Coordinate dsDNA Break Processing. Cell. 139(1): 87-99 (2009)
• Williams, R.S., Moncalian, G., Williams, J.S., Yamada, Y, Limbo, O., Shin, D.S., Groocock, L.M., Cahill., D., Hitomi, C., Guenther, G., Moiani, D., Carney, J.P., Russell, P., and Tainer, J.A. Mre11 Dimers Coordinate DNA End Bridging and Nuclease Processing in DNA Double Strand Break Repair. Cell 135 (1): 97-109 (2008)
• Williams, R.S., and Tainer, J.A. A Nanomachine for Making Ends Meet: MRN is a Flexing Scaffold for the Repair of DNA Double Strand Breaks. Molecular Cell 19 (6) 724-726 (2005).
• Bernstein, N., Williams, R.S., Rakovszky, M., Cui, D., Green, R., Karimi-Busheri, F., Mani, R., Galicia, S., Koch C.A., Cass, C., Durocher, D., Weinfeld, M., and Glover, J.N. The Molecular architecture of the mammalian DNA repair enzyme, polynucleotide kinase. Molecular Cell 17(5): 657-670 (2005)
• Glover, J.N.M., Williams, R.S., and Lee, MS. BRCT repeat-phosphoprotein interactions: tangled up in two. Trends in Biochemical Sciences 29(11) 579-585 (2004)
• Williams, R.S., Lee, MS., Hau., D.D. and Glover, J.N.M. Structural basis of phospho-peptide recognition by the BRCA1 BRCT domain. Nature Structural and Molecular Biology. 11(6):519-525 (2004)
• Williams, R.S., Green, R., and Glover, J.N.M. Crystal structure of the BRCT repeat region from the breast cancer-associated protein BRCA1. Nature Structural Biology 8(10): 838-843 (2001).

To apply:

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is one of 27 research institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The mission of the NIEHS is to reduce the burden of human illness and disability by understanding how the environment influences the development and progression of human disease.

The NIEHS traces its roots to 1966, when the U.S. Surgeon General announced the establishment of the Division of Environmental Health Sciences within the NIH. In 1969, the division was elevated to full NIH institute status. Since then, the NIEHS has evolved to its present status as a world leader in environmental health sciences, with an impressive record of important scientific accomplishments and a proud history of institutional achievements and growth under the leadership of former directors Paul Kotin, M.D. (1969–1971), David P. Rall, M.D., Ph.D. (1971–1990), and Kenneth Olden, Ph.D. (1991–2005).

Today, under the guidance of its 2006–2011 Strategic Plan, the NIEHS is expanding and accelerating its contributions to scientific knowledge of human health and the environment, and to the health and well-being of people everywhere.